Arthur's 'dressing room cancer' report claim

Former Australia coach Mickey Arthur has reportedly claimed in legal documents that Michael Clarke described Shane Watson and his faction as "a cancer" on the national squad.

The Seven Network has reported the documents tendered to court, which form part of Arthur's claim for up to AUD 4 million in compensation from Cricket Australia or his job back after his sacking last month, two years before his contract was due to expire. The network reported that the documents claimed "major tension" between Clarke and Watson, and that Arthur felt he was "the meat in the sandwich" between them.

Arthur also allegedly reported in the documents that Watson had told him about David Warner's punch at Joe Root in a Birmingham pub during the Champions Trophy, which led to Warner's suspension. Watson previously stated that he was not responsible for passing the information on to Arthur.

The Seven Network also reported that in the documents Arthur claimed Cricket Australia did not support him over the decision to suspend four players on the tour of India over the so-called homework incident. Arthur alleged that he was discriminated against because he was South African and did not understand the Australian way.

"We're disappointed it has come to this position but Cricket Australia is confident in its position on this matter and I'm sure it will get resolved in an appropriate fashion," CA lawyer Dean Kino said.